Tennessee football has secured former UCLA quarterback Joey Aguilar as…read more.
In a major roster move, Tennessee football has secured former UCLA quarterback Joey Aguilar as their latest addition, filling the void left by Nico Iamaleava’s recent transfer to UCLA.
Aguilar, who initially transferred to UCLA from Appalachian State, re-entered the transfer portal after Iamaleava’s arrival altered the Bruins’ quarterback plans. Now, in a move that mirrors an informal quarterback swap, Aguilar will be heading to Knoxville to join the Volunteers.
At Appalachian State, Aguilar made a strong impression with 6,760 passing yards and 56 touchdowns across two seasons. His transfer to UCLA came with hopes of earning a starting role, but the arrival of Iamaleava prompted him to reconsider his future.
Tennessee quickly acted on the opportunity and has now officially landed Aguilar, providing a veteran presence to lead the team moving forward. Though college football doesn’t allow formal trades, this exchange between the two programs highlights how the transfer portal can create similar outcomes.
Aguilar’s arrival is a significant boost for the Volunteers, who were left with a major hole at quarterback following Iamaleava’s departure. With his experience, leadership, and proven track record, Aguilar is expected to step in as a key contributor right away.
This acquisition also underscores the new era of college football, where player movement and NIL opportunities have made the landscape more fluid than ever. With Aguilar now in orange, Tennessee looks poised to stay competitive in the upcoming season.
